Composition of the IACUC

The members of the committee are appointed by the Institutional Official and include the following:

At least four practicing scientists experienced in animal research.

One member whose primary concerns are in a non-scientific area.

One member not affiliated with the University and not a member of the immediate family of a person who is officially affiliated with the University.

The university attending veterinarian.

Each term will be for three years, appropriately staggered, in order to ensure continuity. The Chairman of the Committee will be appointed for a two year term by the Institutional Official from the members of the committee, and will serve as a non-voting member except in instances of a tie vote.

Responsibilities of the IACUC

The IACUC will serve as advisor to the University Administration in matters dealing with animal care and use. It will also oversee University compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional policies, laws and regulations.

Monitor the use of animals in teaching, research, and extension at UNL animal facilities.

Review protocols used in teaching, research and extension. Criteria for approval shall be determined by the most current federal laws and policies. Recommend approval of protocols that meet required criteria.

Provide, every six months, an evaluation of facilities and programs within each University unit performing research, teaching and/or extension involving the use of animals. A summary report of these evaluations will be submitted to the Institutional Official in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the PHS Animal Welfare Policy.

Prepare the annual USDA report for the University and for the signature of the Institutional Official.

Review concerns involving the care and use of animals, and review reported violations of the AWA and, when warranted, investigate these concerns.

Assist in establishing training procedures for scientists, research technicians, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal use, care, and treatment.

Provide prompt review of Application to Use Animals Form and maintain communications with the investigator.

Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals in accordance with the AWA.

The Committee will also maintain communication with other university committees that have related responsibilities.

Authority of the IACUC

The IACUC has the authority to withdraw approval to use animals from any project that is not being conducted in accordance with the approved protocol or not in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. If an investigator continues with a project for which he/she has been notified that approval has been withdrawn, the investigator will be subject to withdrawal of all animal use privileges. The IACUC must report major deficiencies in projects through the Institutional Official to the funding agency within 15 days of the date they are identified. If non-compliance continues, a recommendation by the IACUC to terminate funding would be in order. The authority of the Committee is delegated by the institutional official at UNL for the purpose of performing duties and functions set forth in the following documents:

Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Inspections and Programmatic Evaluations

The IACUC reviews the animal facilities, animal care and the UNL Animal Care Program using as its criteria the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and standards set forth in the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching. Reports are made to facility administrators who are, in turn, responsible for correcting deficiencies noted by the reviewers. The IACP Director, IACUC and Attending Veterinarian will offer whatever assistance they can. They will initiate informal actions to correct deficiencies whenever intervention is necessary to protect the interests of the institution. The Institutional Official is responsible to initiate formal actions necessary to correct significant deficiencies when funding is required for correction of those deficiencies working through the various departments, colleges and other administrative units.